Marine biologist Carrie Newell shares her dogs’ connection to Depoe Bay gray whales in new kid’s book, ‘Koda and the Whales’

Marine biologist Carrie Newell shares her dogs’ connection to Depoe Bay gray whales in new kid’s book, ‘Koda and the Whales’

Every summer, a small group of gray whales gather along the Oregon coast to feed. Marine biologist Carrie Newell studies the seasonal residents of Depoe Bay and has written several books about her research. The latest shares the story from a different perspective. “Koda and the Whales” is the illustrated account of Newell’s dog Koda who learns all about the gray whales and how to help spot them. This conversation has been edited for length and c…